Godwin Turk

Godwin Lee Turk (born October 15, 1950 in Houston, Texas) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played for the New York Jets (1974–1975) and the Denver Broncos (1976–1978).

High school and college

Following graduation from Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston, Texas, Turk first enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley where he played on the football team. He then transferred to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he completed his college football eligibility.

Professional career

New York Jets

Turk was drafted as a linebacker by the New York Jets as the number 58 pick overall, the 6th selection in the 3rd round, in the 1974 NFL Draft. He had surgery on August 14, 1974 to repair ligament damage to his left shoulder suffered during the 1974 pre-season. The extensive recovery period from the surgery prevented him from playing any regular season games during his rookie year (1974) with the Jets. Turk participated in all 14 games in the 1975 season for the Jets, recording two interceptions. He wore #56 while he was with the Jets and was listed as being 6’3” tall and weighing 230 lbs. Prior to the 1976 NFL season, Turk was traded to the Denver Broncos for pick 129, 17th pick in the 5th round, of the 1977 NFL Draft. The player the Jets selected in 1977 with the 129th pick was Gary Gregory, an offensive tackle from Baylor University.